By Mickel Brann - Monday, November 19th, 2012.
ST JOHN?S, Antigua ? Bringing a firm awareness to the country about the benefits of sports and recreation is the main driver behind the Ministry of Sports? thrust to declare 2013 The Year of Sports and Recreation, Minister of State in the Ministry of Sports Senator Winston Williams said.
These benefits include improved health and wellness, fostering community spirit and contributing to economic activity, Williams added.
There is already buy-in at the ministerial level, with endorsement for the initiative coming from, among others, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Attorney General Justin Simon, Minister of Finance Harold Lovell, Minister of Tourism John Maginley and Minister of National Security Dr Errol Cort.
The National Olympic Committee (NOC), which has an international mandate to promote sports for all, is also onboard, the minister noted.
?We will work with all stakeholders in the country, including the Ministry of Health, the Department of Social Transformation, everyone, to address the major problem of lifestyle diseases, to bring a sense of sports and wellness to the country and to introduce programmes for women and girls, senior citizens and individuals with special needs,? Minister Williams said.
He gave a preview, noting that the calendar would include Senior Olympics, Special Olympics and Cadet Games. With the first two, the main focus will be more recreational than competitive.
The Cadet Games, meanwhile, will attract participants from the region and will be a test of endurance as well as display of skills and drills.
Minister Williams noted that countries in the region host various iterations of these games with favourable responses.
He added that, here at home, the events would attract local and overseas participants and spectators.
?All of these have an economic component to them, and so sports is doing its part to stimulate the economy,? Minister Williams told The Bulletin.
The initiative, which will see collaboration between organisations, will also aim to chronicle the history of sports in Antigua & Barbuda ? a long overdue and important aspect, the minister said.
?The long and short of it is that we are establishing a sports-for-all approach,? Minister Williams said.
He promised action from New Year?s Day, hinting at a spectacular opener, although he declined to divulge details.
That task, he said, would be left to the committee of volunteers who will manage the initiative.
What Minister Williams would say is that he is excited by the interest that the programme has piqued and the support it has received.
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Source: http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=83920
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